Tamron developing lightweight, compact 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 lens

Third-party lens maker Tamron has officially announced that it is working on a new tele-zoom lens for full-frame cameras: the 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035).

Thanks to the use of magnesium in key areas of the barrel, Tamron claims the lens is both durable and, weighing in at just 1.12kg, the lightest in its class. The optical design incorporates three low dispersion elements to control chromatic aberration and Tamron's eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) coating to minimize reflections and flare.

Tamron also included a high-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system, which works in conjunction with Tamron's Ultrasonic Silent Drive focusing motor to deliver AF speed and precision.

The lens will be compatible with Tamron's 1.4X teleconverter and the Tamron TAP-in Console that lets you fine-tune and adjust focus and stabilization, among other parameters. An Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount will be available as an optional accessory.

If everything goes to plan, the 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD will be available by the end of 2017 in Canon and Nikon mount versions.

Press Release

Tamron announces the development of a new ultra-telephoto zoom lens with superior image quality, advanced features and lightweight, compact design

At 39.3 oz., the new lens is the lightest weight in its class[1] and features magnesium material in key areas of the lens barrel to improve weight reduction, strength and portability.

The Model A035 delivers fast and precise autofocus performance and consistently powerful VC (Vibration Compensation) benefits thanks to the high-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system that is found in the latest Tamron lens models.

Model A035 is fully compatible with Tamron's 1.4X teleconverter and the Tamron TAP-in ConsoleTM that enables lens customizations for focus adjustments, VC mechanism adjustments and more. Additionally, an Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount is available as an optional accessory.

This combination of features and optional accessories join to create a lens that photographers everywhere will enjoy using in various shooting situations, including low-light conditions that require handheld operation as well as those where convenient attachment to a tripod is preferred.

If the optics (IQ) and weight of this lens check out (along with price) it may make a great travel lens. That way, you could carry only 2-3 lenses on vacation and have almost all focal lengths covered.

The magnification ratio and min focus distance of this lens could make it a great tele macro for general walk about nature use.I can't think of another lens in this class that shares that spec, it could be a really great all purpose lens for nature walk about shooting.

I have the Tamron 18-400 and wasn't expecting much from it past about ~250mm or so. But it is incredibly sharp all the way to 400 and vs. this entry it has the added burden of starting at 18mm. So this could be a very worthy consideration for those seeking an alternative to their camera's brand.

I shoot Wildlife in India. Given the QC issues of 3rd party lenses I am not sure a 100-400 will be the best buy ? In India getting my lens changed (if it has a glitch) will be a bigger hassle than say in the US. So I am of the view that a D7200 with a Tamron (!) 70-200 f2.8 G2 with a 1.4x TC will be a better idea ? My subjects are mainly Elephants & Deer but in India we do not any open plains but thick Jungles so distances are shorter. This rig will give me range of 105 - 300 / 147 - 420 mm. Advice welcome.

I have the Tamron 70-200 G2 and its an awesome lens in every way, but no I would not use with the TC converter because it loose its sharpness. And yes I bought the converter and than send it back because i wasn't impressed with it.

will have to scour reviews and comparisons of this with the sigma 100-400. The sigma starts at f/5 while this is f/4.5. A moot point IMO. Assuming the price is within $100 of sigma's offering and weight not being that big a factor to me. I'm more curious how the AF and stabilization works in comparison with each other. As well as sharpness and color of course.

Sadly canons 100-400 II is way to far out of my price range. I could save for it, but can't really justifiy the expense.

I am in the same position as you. I actually prefer heavy telephoto lenses for stability on large FF or APS-C bodies. Sigma lenses have had issues with compatibility on some bodies. Tamron would less expensive and OK for me, but I prefer Tokina for third party.

It says that they will release a Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount. Would there be a way to use or convert this as my current tripod heads do not have Arca Swiss style plates on them. I don't want to buy another tripod head just for one lens.

Given previous versions of Tamron 150-600 VC which have greater variation in QC and other problems, I keep my fingers crossed...Sigma proves itself at this lens 100-400f6.3 which showed great sharpness at 400mm. However, the omission of lens collar is a big mistake and the ability of OS is also questionable.

Sigma has done this really well. If not for the speed limitation it would deserve the Art badge in every other aspect, from the build, operation to the optics.The lens is optimised strongly for wide open, it delivers excellently at the long end, has better BG bokeh than my 70-200/4 VR, or better, doesn't have problems in the BG my 70-200 VR can run into, excellent OS when on ‘moderate’, fast AF on ‘fast’ - these via the dock settings. It’s of course made very compact.Priced aggressively.Cons are less sophisticated tracking (fast AF makes up for it some) and a subpar sharpness at the max. magnification – it’s simply too much to ask optically – considering!

A good lens this slow 100-400mm zoom. I have the Sigma C. Great idea. These should be among the first candidates for the slow glass. And it doesn’t matter that the slower or variable aperture today is portrayed as inferior and it’s approached this way by the manufacturers. As if these were not all just options. The high-end slow glass are a bit neglected. Marketing complexities I guess. Eventually, all glass will have to be good and the marketing will move on to different differentials.This should be a new classic specification. At f6.3 and 400 mm with the subject filling any substantial part of the framing the DOF is very thin - subject isolation is great. For more special use and cases and ultimate DOF/speed control the faster lenses are irreplaceable, or when using the teleconverters, they’re getting you a longer lens. But the slower telephotos are useful and practical if done well and there is a shortage of high-quality options.

Will any autofocus work with the 1.4x teleconverter? That is 1/3 F-stop slower than F8.

It will be an alternative to other 100-400 lenses, especially for people who already bought into Tamron equipment. I imagine it may have a bigger market on APS-C cameras if the price is kept low enough, where it will be a 150-600 equivalent...albeit a slow 150-600 equivalent.

Btw I think 800 dollars for the Sigma lens is overpriced. The cheaper 150-600mm lenses from Sigma and Tamron cost 990 and 870 dollars respectively, and the Canon 70-300mm versions 1 and 2 cost 450 and 500 dollars respectively. The 100-400mm lenses should reasonably be in the middle between those two price points, at ca. 700 dollars.

In fact I think it's very likely Tamron will price this lens at 700 dollars. This would undercut the Sigma by 100 dollars just like they did with the 24-70mm f2.8. At one-third the price of the Canon lens it would sell very well.

Just to be clear, I have absolutely no problem with paying for IQ I can't get any other way. For example, my Sony STF 100mm is worth every penny of its $1500 price... and I would consider this Tamron to be modest cost at $700 new.

The catch is that there are lots of cheap zooms that do well up to near 300mm, but longer than that IQ seems to fall off a cliff and pricing goes up dramatically. I'm not sure $800 buys a zoom that delivers more at 400mm than my dirt-cheap Phoenix. For that matter, a $150 1.4X teleconverter (ok, just one of several I've tested is really good) on a shorter zoom costing under $300 new might even match the IQ (I haven't measured yet). What I'm really wondering is when these long zooms are going to start being optimized for IQ at the long end, rather than the short end or middle.

It sounds like an embarrassment of riches. Another hopefully affordable and good performing 100-400mm lens in addition to the Sigma. If it performs as well as the Sigma this lens might have the edge, because a tripod collar is always useful on a lens like this even if optional. Whilst neither lens is particularly heavy nor are they light and if on a tripod a long lens like this always handles better with a tripod collar. Having said that I think a lot will be using these lenses handheld. Weather sealing is another plus for Tamron. It's all down to performance and price.

This type of lens is ideal for birders, and naturalists, as opposed to bird photographers and nature photographers. They often carry binoculars and even telescopes, so a lens too big is a burden. Not that bird photographers and naturalists won't find a use for these lenses.

the OS needs ‘moderate’ setting via the Sigma’s dock. It still feels a little different to the VR but it gives a rock solid stabilisation - shots. The viewfinder isn’t still all that steady, though. Perfect results with no limitations on D600 and D750. I had three lenses, long story, but none had problems with OS at any s. speed at this setting. The default OS wasn’t chosen very wisely, imo.

Actually I do bird and nature photography and have no problems carrying my Sigma 150-600mm C with me. I simply don't need to carry a spotting scope or telescope, the lens replaces it. While on the heavy side, you carry it like any spotting scope, mounted on your tripod and over the shoulder. I also have no problem with hand held use for limited times.

I've got and have used a Tamron 150-600mm. Although I mainly use a Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II now. It is considerably easier carrying this lens than one of the 150-600mm lens. This is not a criticism of them.

I do quite a bit of survey stuff where I have to primarily use binoculars. I take the Canon 100-400mm along for recording anything interesting. It's just about okay to have this slung over your should for long periods. Whereas I found the 150-600mm just a bit to long, heavy and awkward for when you might only occasionally use the camera.

That depends, if you buy a d7200 instead of a d850, it will be less expensive and pull 750mm equiv. magnification better than my d800. I know. I tested. A little bit better IQ than a d850. Inferior af speed and images per sec. Superior in actual bird photos, if the af works.

That depends, if you buy a d7200 instead of a d850, it will be less expensive and pull 750mm equiv. magnification better than my d800. I know. I tested. A little bit better IQ than a d850. Inferior af speed and images per sec. Superior in actual bird photos, if the af works.

I've been very impressed with Tamrons latest offering. I ended up getting 3 Tamron lens and each one works excellent. I like competition and for someone that doesn't do this for a living, I can get 2 comparable Tamron lens for the cost of a Canon L lens.

I have 3 Tamrons. The 2008 version of the 18-270, 2010 version of the 70-300, and 2014 version of the 17-50.The 18-270 I don't use much, mostly the 17-50. Had to send the 18-270 in once because a screw came loose inside and it would only zoom from 18 to about 90 and lock up. Haven't had any issues with all three of them after that.

Nikon just released a new AF-P 70-300mm VR II. That lens owns any of this third party overhyped junk. f/6.3 is a joke on the long end. Only amateurs think that's acceptable! Third party is for chimps. Real MEN use OEM!

Wow, someone has a different opinion and then I'm automatically attacked! People need to stop projecting their dissatisfaction and unhealthy affection towards inanimate objects. So called "liberal" photographers are the biggest close-minded hypocrites! Lol

@Pritzl better to have 5.6 at 300mm instead of 6.3 at 300mm which I presume this Tamron lens will drop to once zoom out. To me that's unacceptable and the sign of lazy optical design. Most this 3rd party junk is marketed to the Walmart unwashed masses. It's no surprise that plebeian photographers would be so defensive over their toys! Lol

@panchorando, so why did you give your Sigma 100-400 f6.3 lens 4.5 stars? If you are going to troll, please make a bit more of an effort. I also think you should seek treatment for your apparent GAS, as 77 cameras and lenses is a bit much for any human, even REAL men.

RPJG: DPR did try a 'Dislike' button a few years ago, it was removed after a few weeks.So if some people don't like what someone said, no one should be able to see it without taking another step! When I see a 'Hidden' due to negative comments, I want to see what that person said.

@Panchorancho, If you're a wildlife photographer the extra focal length may be more valuable. I'm not saying I prefer a slower lens. You just have to be willing to pay the higher price and shoulder the extra weight.

As for 3rd party lenses being junk, I think both Sigma and Tamron have proven that that is no longer the case. Indeed, the Global lens line from Sigma is now not only matching but exceeding the quality you get from OEM manufacturers. And that's both in IQ and specs. Witness the incredible Sigma 18-35 F1.8 finally bringing F2.8 performance to APSC sensors in a zoom lens. Oh, and it's tack sharp even wide open. All this for $800 is a steal.

You're "attacked" because you waded into the conversation and singlehandedly insulted a rather large slice of the audience by calling them "chimps" and "unwashed masses" (and generally behaving like an arrogant elitist for unknown reasons). So why are you surprised that nobody was ecstatic about that.

I don't even know why I make an effort trying to share knowledge and information with people on the internet. It's obvious people will troll others out of malicious intent. Well I'm glad there are still good people like me to tell the hard truth that f6.3 on the long end is a joke! I'd rather shoot a Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 any day of the week!

Well obviously f/6.3 on the Sigma 100-400 is not a true f/6.3. From my test, it's more of a conservative f/5.8 due to shutter speed differences. Also why are you stalking me? Apparently you seem to have more time on your hands then me. Instead of worrying about random people on the internet, you should worry more about your own personal issues! Lol

I really, really wish they'd make this (or the Sigma 100-400 contemporary) for Pentax. With the K-1, there's even a market for it for full frame cameras, and it'd be fantastic for APS-C too. They've made lenses for Pentax before, how hard could it be to stick a new mount on there and tweak the firmware some?

I wish they do this lens Sony A7.It's sad the Tokina , Tamron , Sigma etc.. make almost no lens for Sony A7 even though it's selling a lot and mirrorless become more popular.I'm adapting other brands lenses but I wish I had more fully automatic lenses made for Sony A7

vscd: That's not a problem, Tamron could add an empty spacer before the bayonet to adjust to a shorter flange distance. The real problem are the focus motors and algorithms, and the fact that Tamron's management still views mirrorless mounts with suspicion.

*YOU* can add a spacer. It's called "adapter". For example EF to Sony (all Sonyusers hype this combination anyway). So what's the problem? With this solution you have a lens for two systems. Maybe if someone would like to upgrade to a real Canon/Nikon in Future :-P

Tamron very likely thought the same way and spared some money to implement 2 more bayonett-protocolls.

@vscdThe biggest issue is probably that CDAF on mirrorless and PDAF on DSLRs work very differently. CDAF requires the lens to rack back and forth very quickly to find contrast, whereas PDAF generally only needs to go in one direction to find focus. What this means is that CDAF requires lens with fast motors and lightweight focus groups, and PDAF doesn't

If you've ever used a 4/3 DSLR lens on a non-PDAF equipped m4/3 mirrorless body, you'd understand how frustrating it is to try to get the lens to focus. Tamron probably thought that would make for a bad experience, and didn't want to redesign the lens mechanicals to compensate.

Flange distance isn't a big deal - in fact, manual focus lenses like the Rokinon 85/1.4 are available in almost any modern mount, from Sony E mount to Nikon.

vscd: I know that full well, it's called Sigma MC-11 for the competing model. Tamron's management is more of an issue in this case, and the fact that Fuji want their mount to be as closed to third parties as possible.

The 200-500 is nikon's answer to Tamron 150-600 and sigma 150-600 C, but they still haven't really tackled the 100-400 issue imo, cause the 80-400 is just so dated in performance. Thus bang for the buck is very poor.

I think that Nikon has some really nice budget options for those of us that don't want to put down the money. They got some decent budget zooms, and their F1.8 primes are really nice. Furthermore, these "budget" options are rather lightweight compared to the "pro" counterparts.

I bought my 200-500 for $1050 used on eBay, and I love it! It's not super lightweight (well, you can compare it to the 200-400 F4 I guess) but, it sure is affordable without being cheap in quality. I was thinking about buying the 70-200 F4 for $850 used but, I found a Tamron 70-200 F2.8 for $500 on Craigslist (usually around $750 on eBay). I'll deal with the weight for now.

@Lars VJust handholding it a few hours? No big deal. I used to handhold a similar weighted lens the whole day and I'm not doing any kind of sports. Ok, the first two weeks were full of aching muscles but if you endure it and keep going, it doesn't matter anymore after a short while. Just don't be a whiner. Just keep on using it even if your arms and shoulders hurt, it wont take long till you can do it pain free. Such lenses are good training.

Right.... Meanwhile in Pentaxland, we have no small lightweight 100-400mm.

Sigma and Tamron don't support us either with new designs as of a couple years ago. Our only options are the very hefty and pricey Pentax 150-450mm or trawling the bay for an older, hefty Sigma 120-400 or the like.

I would be ecstatic if Sigma or Tamron offered one of these new 100-400mm zooms in K mount!

I've heard that some third-party lenses don't support AF and some other lens-to-camera data completely, is that true? If I remember correctly, there was a Sigma lens that didn't AF correctly with some cameras. How does Sigma and others stand with camera compatibility today?

@TMHKR :That's for pretty old lenses. Modern 3rd party lenses are fully compatible with modern cameras.Both Sigma and Tamron lenses have updatable firmware so that the lenses can be kept compatible if something changes.

@Bambi24I mostly bought my equipment second hand, new is far too expensive. I would suggest it to you as well if you're not rich. I also don't have much pain buying a 5-8 year old camera as I get way more for my money than buying a newer model.I also bought the old 100-400 second hand as the push pull design is superior. It allows me to cover my camera and lens with a self made rain protector during rain and still being able to operate the lens. You won't get that with a ring zoom typed lens. Zooming would be a pain in the ass with these covered in a rain cover.

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